Distributed Generation Challenges: Air Quality, Siting, Permitting

Abstract

There are several environmental, engineering, and social issues
that affect successful siting of distributed generation. Distributed gen-
eration (DG) sources (sources (20 MW) include technologies such as
fuel cells, photovoltaics, reciprocating internal combustion engines,
small- and micro-turbines, and wind power. Addressing issues prior to
equipment operations can include obtaining siting, construction, and
operating approvals from multiple regulatory and governmental agen-
cies, as well as possibly undergoing public review and scrutiny. The
level of agency involvement is typically dependent on the extent of a
DG source’s environmental impact. Specific siting issues can arise that
may result in project start-up delays, costly permitting, and project can-
cellation. These issues must be addressed in the early stages of project
development.
This article presents an overview of the various siting issues, pos-
sible approaches to minimizing the uncertainty in the approval pro-
cess, and examples of distributed generation projects, with particular
emphasis on air quality permitting requirements. Emerging regulatory,
policy and technology trends are also highlighted, where applicable.